On the Androgen Microenvironment of Maturing Spermatozoa*

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Abstract
Adult anesthetized male rats were submitted to in vivo micropuncture of the seminiferous and epididymal tubules and reproductive tract vasculature to obtain fluids for analysis of testosterone, 5.alpha.-dihydrotestosterone, and androgen-binding protein (ABP). Androgen and ABP concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The highest concentrations of testosterone (73.14 .+-. 5.12 ng/ml) were in testicular interstitial fluid. A significant downhill concentration gradient exists between testosterone concentrations in testicular interstitial fluid and seminiferous tubule fluid (50.24 .+-. 2.26 ng/ml); another significant decrease occurs between seminiferous tubule fluid and rete testis fluid (17.85 .+-. 2.11 ng/ml). 5.alpha.-Dihydrotestosterone concentrations were highest in intraluminal caput epidiymidal fluids (58.73 .+-. 6.48 ng/ml), as were ABP concentrations (33.30 .+-. 2.40 .mu.leq/.mu.l). Intraluminal sperm concentrations were also determined, and, from these data, fluid reabsorption by the efferent ducts and epididymal tubules was calculated. Eighty-nine percent of the fluid leaving the testis is reabsorbed between the rete testis and caput epididymidis, and 96% is reabsorbed between rete and cauda. Large losses of androgen and ABP also occur from the lumen of the excurrent duct system. These losses may be due to metabolism, diffusion from the lumen, or uptake by cells.